It is fitting, we think, that the same sentiments of hope and freedom that brought the Statue of Liberty to this country are now behind plans to reopen the statue’s crown to visitors.

A worried nation saw the landmark closed after the 9-11 terrorist attacks. In ensuing years, parts were reopened, but the crown remained off-limits.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced last week that the crown will be taking visitors again beginning this Fourth of July.

Yes, it’s a symbolic move. As Salazar said, it is designed to restore “confidence in the American people in their government and of our place in the world.”

But it’s an important symbol. There is no more iconic visage of freedom in the world than Lady Liberty.

We understand the National Park Service’s health and safety concerns for visitors who would traverse the cramped confines of a 168-step spiral staircase.

The stairwell does not meet modern fire codes, and in two years will be temporarily closed for modifications. There also are worries that the monument would be a target for attackers, and so an airport-style security system will be used to screen visitors.

Furthermore, those who tackle the physically taxing ascent to the crown are in for a difficult journey. Visitors will be allowed up only 10 at a time. We think those who make the effort and look out one of the 25 windows will find the vista, well, liberating.

Along with the crown reopening, the Interior Department is investing $25 million of stimulus money in nearby Ellis Island, through which so many of our ancestors passed.

It is wonderful that America’s future generations will be able to see this historic gateway to our country and contemplate the ideals it embodies.